To the Next Generation

Pictured: Ethel Osborne Lusby and June Lusby; Lena Cason Henry and Lafe Henry

Psalm 78:4 says, “We will tell the next generation the praiseworthy deeds of the Lord, his power, and the wonders he has done.”
It occurred to me one day that even just my grandparents’ favorite hymns testify of their faith. And these hymns, strung together, actually encompass the whole gospel.

1. “The Haven of Rest”—Grandpa June Lusby

My soul in sad exile was out on life’s sea
so burdened with sin, and distressed.
I heard a sweet voice saying, “Make me your choice,”
and I entered the haven of rest.

Though I have no reason to think Grandpa was ever away from the Lord (“out on life’s sea… so burdened”), he was concerned that people choose—and stay on—the Lord’s true way. My dad remembered Grandpa weeping back in the 1940s over false teaching making its way into local churches: a watering down of Scripture, denial of Jesus’ atonement, etc.

2. “The Old Rugged Cross”—Grandpa Lafe Henry and Grandma Ethel Osborne Lusby

On a hill far away stood an old rugged cross,
the emblem of suffering and shame.
And I love that old cross where the dearest and best
for a world of lost sinners was slain.

The chorus says,

I will cling to the old rugged cross
and exchange it some day for a crown.

I couldn’t determine Grandma Ethel’s absolute favorite hymn, but she really liked this one. Not sure why. But Grandpa Lafe… Well, he had a rough childhood. Lost his dad when still quite a young boy. Lafe and his siblings were farmed out to assorted aunts and uncles. Then when Lafe was a teenager, his guardian uncle died. So Lafe had much loss and adult responsibilities at a very young age. I can imagine that he liked this hymn because its truth and power, which he could “cling to,” overshadowed the daily-life troubles of this world.

3. “What a Fellowship”— Grandma Lena Cason Henry

The third verse reads:

What have I to dread, what have I to fear
leaning on the everlasting arms?
I have blessed peace with my Lord so near
leaning on the everlasting arms.”

And the chorus says we’re “safe and secure from all alarms.”

Grandma Lena lived to an old age but battled heart trouble and painful arthritis. Lafe and Lena were quite poor by most standards, under very primitive and physically hard living conditions. She didn’t complain; people of all ages enjoyed being around her because she was fun. She was strong in the Lord and talked openly about him. You can picture someone like this belting out “[I’m] leaning on the everlasting arms” with the idea of true rest and comfort (not merely physical) coming from the Lord. Real joy and peace, “blessed peace.”

So stringing those three hymns together, big picture:

Anyone, even far from the Lord, can choose to come to him. He’s the haven of rest (song 1). The Lord gave his life for us—he wants us close (song 2). That means we can lean on the Lord throughout life (song 3).

Circling back to wrap up with the closing words of song 1 (chorus):

The tempest may sweep o’er the wild stormy deep.
In Jesus I’m safe evermore.

Do your grandkids (or any kids in your circle) know your favorite Christian hymn/song… and the reason why?